Top 4 Mistakes Property Managers Will Make in 2017

Posted Monday, January 16th, 2017

Unexpected maintenance problems are a common everyday occurrence for most property managers. They interfere with their myriad of daily responsibilities. And, they damper the ability to control costs. Since property managers are increasingly under pressure to decrease costs, it is crucial for them to avoid high-priced mistakes.

Here are 4 common mistakes to avoid in 2017.

#1 Hiring New Contractors or Repairmen Every Time

Not developing a long-term relationship with reputable repair companies can leave a property manager scrambling to find a warm body stat. Beware the pitfalls of this strategy.

• It takes longer, typically multiple phone calls to find an available repairman
• Lack of confidence in reputation or experience level
• Crapshoot on the level of service you will receive
• Service level guarantee – often not guaranteed

#2 Hiring Unskilled Workers to Save Money

This is a sketchy practice at best. Unskilled workers most likely do not have insurance to back their work. If something goes seriously wrong after an unskilled worker has performed a repair or maintenance task, your company may be at fault. Unskilled workers may also lack the knowledge to perform repairs that are up to code requirements. Fixing problems that arise from substandard repairs can only cost your company more money in the long run. Don’t take a short cut. Hire skilled workers.

#3 Failing to Perform Routine Property Inspections

Property Managers are some of the busiest professionals in the marketplace. Their responsibilities are endless. It is easy to understand how routine property inspections can get put on the back burner. However, maintenance issues found early can typically be remedied quickly and cost effectively. Don’t miss your monthly inspections. It will surely cost you.

#4 Letting Tenants Fix Their Own Problems

This is possibly the biggest mistake of all. Allowing tenants the opportunity to make their own repairs can seriously affect your company. Consider this:

• Contractually, it is most likely your company’s responsibility to make the repairs.
• If your tenant gets hurt while fixing the problem, your company can be at fault and legally prosecuted.
• If the repair is poorly done, it will undoubtedly cost you more in the long run.

At Cressy Door and Fireplace, we’ve been serving Pacific Northwest companies for 65 years. Some of our best customers are property managers. They know when they have a problem; Cressy is at their service.

Give our team a call and set up a complimentary consultation. Establishing a relationship with Cressy Door and Fireplace will assure you have competent, skilled repairmen at your service when you need it.